The Newton County Board of Education held a retirement dinner on Thursday for employees. The event honored the many years of service of 54 retirees, who included teachers, administrators and personnel at a number of schools and departments in the county.

Principals and administrators praised each retiree and shared why he or she would be missed.

BOE Chair Abigail Coggin thanked outgoing Newton County School System Superintendent Gary Mathews for his contributions to the school system and said he that was a key component in the progress the school system has made over the past three years.

In closing remarks, Mathews thanked all employees for their service, and each retiree received a plaque inscribed with his/her years of service.